I thought I’d try out a study in my sketchbook expecting this to be the only attempt so that I could quickly move on (I have a tight schedule on this course). However, I knew I could do better and so figured it what I needed to improve and work on and then apply it to a larger attempt.
I need to work on proportion and sizing (eyes especially), making sure I vary the tones more and keeping the values consistent with an original skin tone.
This marking out allowed me time to plan more areas for tonal variation. By this time I felt tuned into the subject and facial features. I noticed freckles and lines and additional shadows I hadn’t noticed before.
Between sketching out and filling in with paint, the eyes had changed shape. This was frustrating. However, I was really happy with the dark and mid tones at this stage. I found myself adding detail too soon as I was desperate to see it look real for me to be happy and continue. Next time I would block it all in and then build detail in.
At this point I walked away and gave it chance, taking photographs so I could assess what I needed to amend – eye shape and detail, hair tones, definition and colours. I definitely need to work on hair. I chose a bluey green to complement the skin tone but also to represent the naturalness and peace of the woman.
If I was to revisit this, I would work on the centre neck sinews. There is too much contrast and it is distracting. I would work to blend the defining lines a little more.
Tea and Doodles 